La Vida Breve is rarely staged outside of Spain, and this Valencia opera production is probably as good as we will get in today’s terms. The casting of the principals is quite strong, with additional kudos to Spanish mezzo Maria Luisa Corbacho as Salud’s abuela…We have the luxury of renowned operatic conductor, Lorin Maazel, in the pit. There is a prominent reddish cast over the stage for most of the proceedings, emphasizing the blood that courses through the veins of the protagonists. In this respect, the dramatic concept by Giancarlo Del Monaco is spot on.

…the cinematographers do a good job in focusing the dramatic action that occurs on an otherwise bare bones stage. The ballet entr’acte is, in itself, a highlight worth watching.

The capture of Gallardo-Domas’s voice, so critical to the impact of this potent score is perfect. Articulation of the flamenco singers is outstanding. Overall, the perspective is very voice-friendly, given the large scale of the orchestral score.